Energy assistance program accepting applications
With colder temperatures in the region, Columbia Gas and Peoples Gas reminds its eligible customers that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, is now accepting applications to provide one-time grants to income-eligible households to assist with winter heating bills.
LIHEAP is a federally-funded program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. It provides cash grants ranging from $200 to $1,000 to assist in paying winter heating bills. Also available are crisis grants, ranging from $25 to $600, to assist households without heat or in danger of being without heat.
The income eligibility limit for the 2018-19 program is 150 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. This means individuals with an annual income of up to $18,210 are eligible to apply. A family of four can earn an annual income of up to $37,650. Households can apply for grants until April 12.
Last season, more than 22,608 Columbia Gas customers received LIHEAP grants to help with their energy costs.
Natural gas customers in Western Pennsylvania can call 1-866-857-7095 to learn more about LIHEAP. Customers are encouraged to apply online through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Service website (COMPASS) at www.compass.state.pa.us.
To apply, the customer must provide the following information:
- Names of all people in the household
- Birth dates for all people in the household
- Social Security numbers for all members of the household
- Proof of income for all members of the household
- A copy of a recent heating bill
In addition to LIHEAP, Columbia Gas offers other assistance programs to help customers struggling with household budgets. Customers can contact Columbia Gas at 1-800-537-7431 to learn more. Peoples’ heating “hotline” 1-800-400-WARM (9276) can assist with program information and guidelines. Or, learn about other programs available to help Peoples’ customers at www.peoples-gas.com/LIHEAP.